buying suggestion: a 5D3 or 1Dx?

[East Wind Photography]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

 

[East Wind Photography]

I would buy a used or heavily discounted 5D3, or a new 6D right now. Put some money into lenses/lighting, or the bank, and see what's next.

Or, Get a D810 a 24-70 f2.8 Nikon or Tamron, and spend a year or so seeing if Canon will wake the hell up. (sorry, someone had to say it)

Canon is much more reliable, better build quality. Nikon keeps pushing the envelope and QC suffers. I never recommend Nikon to anyone willing to spend 1000 or more.

 

[dash2k8]

Look at when the 5d3 or 1dx was rumored and actually delivered. You never know with Canon, but I imagine the 5d3 sells a lot so there's no reason to update it. If any, there'll be a 1dx2 or high-mp "3d" first, and then this new tech will trickle down to a 5d4 not before 2016.

I'm sold then!

 

[expatinasia]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

Many people would say point 2 is a plus rather than a negative. I like the build, size and weight of the 1D X. It balances perfectly when used with big whites. Plus you cannot forget the grip at home, one less thing to worry about.

Are you sure about point 4? I would be surprised if that is true. Even if it is, I doesn't make much difference. I forget how many thousands of pictures I can take with just one battery, my spare hardly ever gets used.

As for point 5 - could be a plus or minus depending on your point of view. I do not have any desire to install Magic Lantern, I doubt I am the only one.

6 - nah, you won't.

 

[Dylan777]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

I used to think my 5D III as an ultimate body... : : :

I'm now going with either 1D series for better handling with L lenses or FF mirrorless for light travel.

 

[Hjalmarg1]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

That's the reasoning I used to buy the 5D3. You'll never regret your decision if you get the 5D3.
As others have said, you can find the 5D3 around $2,500 now and during the Black Friday offers there was one for $2,599 including the 24-105 f4L IS Lens. Awesome

 

[Mario]

I have both the 5DIII and the 1DX. I mainly do wildlife.

I first bought the 5DIII and about 1 year later I added the 1DX because the keeper rate for BIF was not as good as I wanted with the 5DIII. I have a 600 II attached to the camera most of the time.

Nowadays, I only grab for the 5DIII when I need the silent shutter which is most of the time when shooting from a hide.

IQ: I can't see the difference between pictures taken with the 5DIII and with the 1DX, except when I look at the file name ;-).

Low light: both phenomenal, 1DX even slightly better.

AF: this is where the 1DX excels, at least for action shots, in my case birds in flight. But for non-action, again, there is very little difference between both camera's, AF is in both cases very accurate (I use AI Servo most of the time)

Battery: 1DX battery lasts way longer, it's not even slightly close. But battery life of the 5DIII is more than good enough, it's a non-issue for me.

Shutter noise: the 1DX indeed is loud, and at 12 fps it sounds indeed like a machine gun but also 12 fps is very addictive (I did not expect that when buying the 1DX, I though 12 fps was overkill but for BIF, it is not). Silent shutter of 5DIII is very quiet and still gives you 3 fps. But even normal shutter at 6 fps is not as loud as the 1DX shutter.

If the 1DX2 would be exacltly the same as the 1DX but with a silent shutter like the 5DIII, I would buy it in a blimp of an eye ;-).

Conclusion 1: if you don't need the AF for action photos, you're just as good with the 5DIII.
Conclusion 2: if you care about a silent shutter, get the 5DIII.
Conclusion 3: if money is an objection, get the 5DIII.
Conclusion 4: in all other cases, get the 1DX ... or get both ;-).

Mario
http://severi.be
https://www.facebook.com/photographymarioseveri?ref=hl

 

[Northstar]

Hi guys, I've asked for recommendations/opinions on various gear purchases from fellow users here and have always gotten great real-world advice. Here I am again with a buy question:

My old 1Ds3 is dying after serving me well for many years. I do mostly event coverage (weddings, graduations, conferences... generally "people doing stuff") that do NOT involve high-speed athletes or motor vehicles. All I really need is excellent low-light performance and good-to-great AF. Online research seems to indicate that the 5D3 can produce just as good an image as the flagship 1Dx under the same conditions. I don't need 14fps, I don't need extreme weather sealing, I don't need the 1Dx's extra AF speed. Does that mean the 5D3 is the right choice for me? Can anyone who own or have used both bodies offer a reason why a 1Dx would still be worth twice the $$$?

For the record, money is not an issue. I just don't want to spend twice as much for the 1Dx if I can achieve the same results with a 5D3 (the money saved can go to a new lens!). Thanks guys!

I have both, and use both. Get the 5d3. The only significant advantages of the 1dx are FPS, AF of fast action, and weather sealing. It doesn't sound like you need those.

Also, the 5d3 has the advantage of silent shooting....which might come in handy for what you shoot.

IQ is a about the same for both cameras for slow or non moving work.

 

[Marsu42]

I prefer not to ask a person to stop & hold still so I can mf, especially shooting at the event I like his expression...

Sure, and it's a nice shot. But because you chose it as a reference in a "5d3 or 1dx" thread I couldn't help but mention that the latest multi-point high-speed high-fps camera system doesn't necessarily help you with scenes like this, you could as well get a 6d with a manual focusing screen - and shoot silently.

5D III is a good camera, however, 1DX is a MUCH-MUCH better in every ways.

 

[Deleted member 91053]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

1. Yes the 1DX is expensive. But 2 or 3 5D3's - err no, well not in Europe anyway! Not even 2.
2. Yes it's heavy - I agree. But a removable grip makes any (non 1 series) very wobbly on a tripod. The charger is heavy but I bought a non OEM one that weights next to nothing, works off mains voltage or a car cigar lighter (comes with adapters/leads for both) for 18 GBP (about $29) and included a LP-E4 battery that works just fine in 1D3/1D4/1DS3 and 1DX.
3. Yes the 1DX is noisy, I shoot mainly wildlife at close ranges, why do they completely ignore me?
4. I assume that comment was a joke.
5. I Cannot comment as I have yet to find a use for those features.
6. Again I assume you are having a giggle - try it for yourself. I have and no it is not the case.

The 5D3 is an excellent camera and, for many a better option than the 1DX, but that in no way makes the 5D3 an equivalent camera. I was a little surprised at you post as, previously, I found your insights to be useful and constructive.

However for the OP's requirements I agree the 5D3 would appear to be a better option IMO.

 

[Loswr]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

1. Yes the 1DX is expensive. But 2 or 3 5D3's - err no, well not in Europe anyway! Not even 2.
2. Yes it's heavy - I agree. But a removable grip makes any (non 1 series) very wobbly on a tripod. The charger is heavy but I bought a non OEM one that weights next to nothing, works off mains voltage or a car cigar lighter (comes with adapters/leads for both) for 18 GBP (about $29) and included a LP-E4 battery that works just fine in 1D3/1D4/1DS3 and 1DX.
3. Yes the 1DX is noisy, I shoot mainly wildlife at close ranges, why do they completely ignore me?
4. I assume that comment was a joke.
5. I Cannot comment as I have yet to find a use for those features.
6. Again I assume you are having a giggle - try it for yourself. I have and no it is not the case.

The 5D3 is an excellent camera and, for many a better option than the 1DX, but that in no way makes the 5D3 an equivalent camera. I was a little surprised at you post as, previously, I found your insights to be useful and constructive.

However for the OP's requirements I agree the 5D3 would appear to be a better option IMO.

Agree.

2. Having used a gripped T1i, 7D and 5DII on a tripod, I'm much happier with the stability of the integrated grip, as opposed to removing the grip for tripod mounting with non-collared lenses.

3. I've never scared birds/wildlife with the 1D X shutter. I can see it being an issue in other settings, a wedding or a play, for example, where the 5DIII's slient shutter would be very nice. The idea sort of reminds me of those people who use a camo-pattern lens coat on their white lens, as if the animals/birds won't notice the big human – often wearing brightly colored clothing – holding the 'invisible' lens.

4. One LP-E6 in the 5DIII lasting longer than the LP-E4N in the 1D X? LOL.

5. ML would be nice, but as I don't shoot video I can certainly live without it. I've read up on it (and real Marsu42's many promotional posts!), maybe someday I'll get around to trying it on my EOS M but I don't feel a sense of urgency about it.

6. If the difference between 22 and 18 MP is that significant for someone's needs, they should consider switching to the D810.

 

[FTb-n]

I shoot events and sports (mostly middle-school level) and opted for two 5D3 bodies. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a 1Dx and it may be in future at some point. But, a 5D3 with a 24-70 f2.8L II and second 5D3 with a 70-200 f2.8L is a killer system for events where candid photography reigns. It also satisfies my sports needs.

Oh, that silent shutter on the 5D3 is great for church events and special services that the pastor asked me to shoot. I'm far less conscience about being a distraction.

For me, two bodies is a must and I needed that leap into FF-land. Next up is rounding out my lens collection, then I'll consider the 1Dx. If I shot college level sports, maybe football under the lights, the 1Dx might be higher on my G.A.S. list. But for now, one or two mid-range f1.x primes and the new 100-400 are higher on the list than the 1Dx. This is a roundabout way of saying that it all depends upon whether your lens needs are fulfilled and whether 2 bodies is important to you.

 

[East Wind Photography]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

1. Yes the 1DX is expensive. But 2 or 3 5D3's - err no, well not in Europe anyway! Not even 2.
2. Yes it's heavy - I agree. But a removable grip makes any (non 1 series) very wobbly on a tripod. The charger is heavy but I bought a non OEM one that weights next to nothing, works off mains voltage or a car cigar lighter (comes with adapters/leads for both) for 18 GBP (about $29) and included a LP-E4 battery that works just fine in 1D3/1D4/1DS3 and 1DX.
3. Yes the 1DX is noisy, I shoot mainly wildlife at close ranges, why do they completely ignore me?
4. I assume that comment was a joke.
5. I Cannot comment as I have yet to find a use for those features.
6. Again I assume you are having a giggle - try it for yourself. I have and no it is not the case.

The 5D3 is an excellent camera and, for many a better option than the 1DX, but that in no way makes the 5D3 an equivalent camera. I was a little surprised at you post as, previously, I found your insights to be useful and constructive.

However for the OP's requirements I agree the 5D3 would appear to be a better option IMO.

Agree.

2. Having used a gripped T1i, 7D and 5DII on a tripod, I'm much happier with the stability of the integrated grip, as opposed to removing the grip for tripod mounting with non-collared lenses.

3. I've never scared birds/wildlife with the 1D X shutter. I can see it being an issue in other settings, a wedding or a play, for example, where the 5DIII's slient shutter would be very nice. The idea sort of reminds me of those people who use a camo-pattern lens coat on their white lens, as if the animals/birds won't notice the big human – often wearing brightly colored clothing – holding the 'invisible' lens.

4. One LP-E6 in the 5DIII lasting longer than the LP-E4N in the 1D X? LOL.

5. ML would be nice, but as I don't shoot video I can certainly live without it. I've read up on it (and real Marsu42's many promotional posts!), maybe someday I'll get around to trying it on my EOS M but I don't feel a sense of urgency about it.

6. If the difference between 22 and 18 MP is that significant for someone's needs, they should consider switching to the D810.

I've never had wobbly issues with a gripped 5D3. Pretty much any time I've needed to use a tripod with it, the lens had it's own foot so an extra 3K to solve a wobbly issue is pretty much busted.

I used a 1DX for about 4 weeks (loaner twice from CPS before they changed their policy. grrr) The shutter was so loud that unless I was using it on my 600, anything around me that I waited for to approach immediately flew way when the shutter went off. I guess if you are shooting from a car or boat or in an otherwise noisy area it would probably be ok. Not predominately where I shoot from.

On the loaners I could only get about two days worth of shooting before the battery was down to 25% and I generally dont go out on a shoot with a 25% full battery unless I have a spare. The 5DIII gets me about 3 or 4 days and with the grip It's about a week and half before I feel the need to charge them. Again that could have been due to the CPS loaner but that was my experience.

Magic Lantern is not just about shooting video, it has some great features for shooting stills as I mentioned. I shot a couple of soccer games where I was put on the sideline facing the sun (I guess my credentials were not the right color). I ended up using Dual-ISO one shot HDR at 1/4000 or a sec and saved the shoots. Those would have been garbage without it. I'm using it more for wildlife now as it lets me shoot under the noon sun and normalizes the highlights and shadows enough to get great shots that I can work with in photoshop. I dont shoot much video but ML is there to stay in my 5D3.

There is no doubt that when I tested the 1DX against the 5D3, what noise was visible in both of those cameras revealed that the 5D3 noise was smaller than the 1DX and noticeable enough when cropping the images. Now that was at ISO 800 and under. Obviously at high ISO's above 3200 the 1DX will shine as the 5D3 starts falling off after that but if you can keep things full frame 6400 is feasible.

I decided not to get the 1DX due to what I was shooting and the benefits did not meet the cost difference but also because of the things I did not like about it. I did miss the FPS for sports but I also had a 7D which covered that pretty well (Also with Magic Lantern BTW).

You all may like it because you all are pixel peepers but I looked at it from a system standpoint and what I needed was not a machine gun. I was VERY glad I chose the 5D3 and never even second guessed my decision. Maybe the 1DX2 will peak my interest but for now the 7D2 fills the missing gap.

So dash2k8, you will find that many 1DX owners will try to justify their expensive purchase any way they can. I can tell you unless you are shooting sports action full time, you don't need the 1DX. The 5D3 will give you more for less.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I shoot events and sports (mostly middle-school level) and opted for two 5D3 bodies. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a 1Dx and it may be in future at some point. But, a 5D3 with a 24-70 f2.8L II and second 5D3 with a 70-200 f2.8L is a killer system for events where candid photography reigns. It also satisfies my sports needs.

Oh, that silent shutter on the 5D3 is great for church events and special services that the pastor asked me to shoot. I'm far less conscience about being a distraction.

For me, two bodies is a must and I needed that leap into FF-land. Next up is rounding out my lens collection, then I'll consider the 1Dx. If I shot college level sports, maybe football under the lights, the 1Dx might be higher on my G.A.S. list. But for now, one or two mid-range f1.x primes and the new 100-400 are higher on the list than the 1Dx. This is a roundabout way of saying that it all depends upon whether your lens needs are fulfilled and whether 2 bodies is important to you.

I think I could tackle pretty much any situation with a 5D MK III, or a 70D, for that matter. To me, the AFMA capability ranks above 10 FPS. I've never liked to use the rapid fire approach, I end up with far too many shots to wade thru. There are a few situations where I thought I needed 10FPS, but I've really only found one, and then 10 FPS wasn't enough. I was trying to catch the end of a bull whip travling faster than the speed of sound as it snipped a flower held in a girls mouth. (It was a hoax, of course, the whip never came close to her, as I discovered from reviewing the photos).

 

[East Wind Photography]

I shoot events and sports (mostly middle-school level) and opted for two 5D3 bodies. Don't get me wrong, I'd love a 1Dx and it may be in future at some point. But, a 5D3 with a 24-70 f2.8L II and second 5D3 with a 70-200 f2.8L is a killer system for events where candid photography reigns. It also satisfies my sports needs.

Oh, that silent shutter on the 5D3 is great for church events and special services that the pastor asked me to shoot. I'm far less conscience about being a distraction.

For me, two bodies is a must and I needed that leap into FF-land. Next up is rounding out my lens collection, then I'll consider the 1Dx. If I shot college level sports, maybe football under the lights, the 1Dx might be higher on my G.A.S. list. But for now, one or two mid-range f1.x primes and the new 100-400 are higher on the list than the 1Dx. This is a roundabout way of saying that it all depends upon whether your lens needs are fulfilled and whether 2 bodies is important to you.

Its funny you mention the quiet shutter. A while back I was at a press conference covering a speech by the Secretary of Energy Moniz. It was a few months after the 5D3 came out. One guy was shooting with his 1DX in drive mode and Moniz stopped and looked at him and then everyone else stopped and turned to look. That was a very awkward moment for him. I was shooting with my 5D3 in silent mode near him. The other photographer came over after the press conference to find out what model I was using and why it was so quiet.

It's also VERY helpful in the blind. I've had foxes come right up to the blind and the silent shutter didn't phase them at all. Frame rate sucks but 2 or 3 shots is better than 1 or none!

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Its funny you mention the quiet shutter. A while back I was at a press conference covering a speech by the Secretary of Energy Moniz. It was a few months after the 5D3 came out. One guy was shooting with his 1DX in drive mode and Moniz stopped and looked at him and then everyone else stopped and turned to look. That was a very awkward moment for him. I was shooting with my 5D3 in silent mode near him. The other photographer came over after the press conference to find out what model I was using and why it was so quiet.

It's also VERY helpful in the blind. I've had foxes come right up to the blind and the silent shutter didn't phase them at all. Frame rate sucks but 2 or 3 shots is better than 1 or none!

I would like even a quitter shutter. Mirrorless plus a electronic shutter is ideal, but everything is a compromise, so its a tradeoff, and so far, the 5D MK III wins for me, but who knows about a few months down the road? Some of the mirrorless cameras sound good (on paper).

 

[East Wind Photography]

Its funny you mention the quiet shutter. A while back I was at a press conference covering a speech by the Secretary of Energy Moniz. It was a few months after the 5D3 came out. One guy was shooting with his 1DX in drive mode and Moniz stopped and looked at him and then everyone else stopped and turned to look. That was a very awkward moment for him. I was shooting with my 5D3 in silent mode near him. The other photographer came over after the press conference to find out what model I was using and why it was so quiet.

It's also VERY helpful in the blind. I've had foxes come right up to the blind and the silent shutter didn't phase them at all. Frame rate sucks but 2 or 3 shots is better than 1 or none!

I would like even a quitter shutter. Mirrorless plus a electronic shutter is ideal, but everything is a compromise, so its a tradeoff, and so far, the 5D MK III wins for me, but who knows about a few months down the road? Some of the mirrorless cameras sound good (on paper).

I have real issues with using cameras without a viewfinder. Hoping that somewhere along the way they work on an integrated EVF. Live view solutions just dont cut it. I have an iphone for that.

 

[East Wind Photography]

I wouldnt say the 1DX is better in every way. Some things to consider against the 1DX

1. Cost - You can buy two or three 5D3's for the cost of one
2. Size - No removable grip so you have to lug the heavy camera everywhere...plus the charger which weighs as much as the camera
3. Noise - The shutter is very noisy. Even in single shot it will turn heads. In drive mode it's a machine gun going off. Scared off a lot of ducks with that one.
4. Shorter battery life - 5d3 with one battery will last longer than the 1DX. Add the grip to the 5D3 and you may last a week of pretty heavy shooting before needing to charge batteries.
5. 1DX cannot run Magic lantern. 5D3 can, adding a lot of additional capability such as one shot HDR (Dual ISO), focus peaking, intervalometer, ETTR and more.
6. 1DX is 18MP. Not much smaller than the 5d3's but if you end up cropping you will notice it.

I opted for the 5D3 and have used that for pretty much everything from landscapes to pro sports...now that I have the 7D mark II, I also have the FPS and AF system to help in that regard. Oh and between the two I spent less than that of one 1DX.

1. Yes the 1DX is expensive. But 2 or 3 5D3's - err no, well not in Europe anyway! Not even 2.
2. Yes it's heavy - I agree. But a removable grip makes any (non 1 series) very wobbly on a tripod. The charger is heavy but I bought a non OEM one that weights next to nothing, works off mains voltage or a car cigar lighter (comes with adapters/leads for both) for 18 GBP (about $29) and included a LP-E4 battery that works just fine in 1D3/1D4/1DS3 and 1DX.
3. Yes the 1DX is noisy, I shoot mainly wildlife at close ranges, why do they completely ignore me?
4. I assume that comment was a joke.
5. I Cannot comment as I have yet to find a use for those features.
6. Again I assume you are having a giggle - try it for yourself. I have and no it is not the case.

The 5D3 is an excellent camera and, for many a better option than the 1DX, but that in no way makes the 5D3 an equivalent camera. I was a little surprised at you post as, previously, I found your insights to be useful and constructive.

However for the OP's requirements I agree the 5D3 would appear to be a better option IMO.

Ok so I looked up the battery specs for both models

5d3 950 shots per charge
1Dx 1120 shots per charge

So there is a slight advantage to battery life on the 1dx based on Canon's testing standards. Now add a 2nd battery to the 5D3 grip and that number goes up to 1900 shots per charge! You cant add a 2nd battery to the 1DX you can only swap it out with another one. Not a big deal for most.

It's also quite possible under my tests that the higher current draw with the 600mm F4L and 300 2.8L caused the 1DX battery to drain faster (but provide faster AF response). The 5D3 is power limited in that regard so that could be the difference I was seeing.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

I have real issues with using cameras without a viewfinder. Hoping that somewhere along the way they work on an integrated EVF. Live view solutions just dont cut it. I have an iphone for that.

That's one of the tradeoffs, the RX100 III is a step ahead on that, but the zoom is too short for me. I'd like a 24-105 equivalent, or even 24-135.

 

[East Wind Photography]

I have real issues with using cameras without a viewfinder. Hoping that somewhere along the way they work on an integrated EVF. Live view solutions just dont cut it. I have an iphone for that.

That's one of the tradeoffs, the RX100 III is a step ahead on that, but the zoom is too short for me. I'd like a 24-105 equivalent, or even 24-135.

I just cant live without interchangeable lenses. The EOS-M that I have is the closest yet but no EVF for it and not really useful except for photographing the kids or using on a ski slope. BTW I also use Magic Lantern on the M. It can be a pain with the touch screen but the extra capabilities are nice when you need them.

The M series lenses are very nice but limited in offerings. Sounds like maybe they will add more to the lineup in the next year or two...or three.